Texas Locks Down Brandon Harris with Lucrative Contract Extension
In a move that solidifies the Longhorns’ leadership for the future, Brandon Harris, Texas football’s general manager, has reportedly agreed to a new contract that places him among the highest-paid college football front office officials, according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports. While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, this renewal underscores Harris’ vital role in the program’s success.
Before stepping into the GM role in February 2024, Harris served as the program’s director of recruiting since head coach Steve Sarkisian took the helm in 2021. Sarkisian emphasized the trust he has in Harris when discussing his promotion last year, stating:
“I wanted to make sure that I had somebody in that role that I was connected to on another level, and I think my time with Brandon has allowed me to do that. I think he thinks a lot like me, which is important — as much as I try to kind of oversee it all, I want to make sure if I can’t be in a meeting that somebody is thinking and speaking on my behalf that is on the same wavelength as me.”
From Quarterback to General Manager
Harris, a former standout quarterback, brought his on-field experience to the administrative side of the game. As a player, he started 15 games at LSU, where he threw for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions before finishing his collegiate career at North Carolina.
Now, Harris plays a pivotal role as general manager, overseeing roster management, navigating the NIL landscape, and managing agent negotiations. His expertise and leadership have helped Texas thrive both on the field and in recruiting.
Recruiting Excellence
Under the guidance of Harris and Sarkisian, Texas landed the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class in 2025, according to 247Sports. This marks the first time the Longhorns have claimed the No. 1 spot since the site’s inception in 2010.
The Longhorns also made notable additions in the December transfer portal window, securing defensive linemen Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue), along with linebacker Brad Spence from Arkansas. However, Texas also saw some departures, including tight end Amari Niblack, who transferred after joining the Longhorns from Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement.
NFL Talent Pipeline
Harris’ renewed contract follows Steve Sarkisian’s extension and comes as Texas prepares to replenish its roster. This offseason, the Longhorns lost 11 key players to the NFL draft, continuing a trend of high-level development. In 2024, the program set a school record with 11 draft selections.
With Harris leading the charge in recruitment and roster management, the Longhorns are poised to maintain their competitive edge as they look to build on back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances.
